Fairy Battle loss on 11.5.40?

[Peter Cornwell]

Hello Stig,

The connection you seek is in the location quoted compared to recorded losses. These being for No.226 Squadron on that mission:

226 SQUADRON, REIMS-CHAMPAGNE

Battle (K9183). Hit by ground fire during dive-bombing of enemy columns between Wallendorf and Diekirch and crashed at Hirzenhaff Farm, south of Bettendorf, 6.30 p.m. Flying Officer D. A. Cameron died of wounds in Diekirch hospital May 13. Sergeant C. S. Hart captured unhurt. AC1 J. G. Ward captured slightly wounded. Aircraft MQ*R a write-off.

Battle (L5247). Shot down ground fire during dive-bombing attack on enemy columns between Wallendorf and Diekirch and crashed in the northern suburbs at Faubourg de Luxembourg, Weimerskirch 6.30 p.m. Flight Lieutenant B. R. Kerridge captured badly wounded, died May 15. Corporal G. H. Dixon captured badly burned. Sergeant D. I. Anthony captured unhurt. Aircraft a write-off.

Battle P2180. Returned damaged by ground fire during dive-bombing attack on enemy columns between Wallendorf and Diekirch 6.20 p.m. Sergeant H. J. Barron wounded in left leg. Sergeant D. E. Bingham and Corporal L. Smith unhurt. Aircraft damaged but repairable - destroyed on evacuation 16 May.

Believe me, a serial number is on the rear fuselage but I accept that it is difficult to make out - the starboard side view being best. Also, in my experience, photo captions are best treated with caution inevitably being subject to the vagaries of human memory.

Recognising that the two books you have lack the necessary detail to make any proper judgement, you must be correct to assume that I have more detailed information. Forty or more years research has its compensations I guess. And as you volunteer the fact that you 'don't know' I should tell you that while I often reach conclusions it is generally via a fairly cautious and deliberate process - at my age I rarely 'jump'.

Finally, don't be too dispirited for you didn't start this thread, I replied to a query from Larry Hickey. I am also at odds with your final comments believing, as I do, that it is important to document these events as accurately as possible. We owe them that much.